Image Sharpness Evaluation via Quantitative Region Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in identifying which images are most sharply and clearly focused among multiple images, as existing technologies do not effectively provide sharpness information for image evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that processes image data to obtain sharpness information and display it as a numeric value, allowing for evaluation of sharpness across different regions within an image, using a combination of local and cloud-based processing units to analyze and quantify image sharpness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users manually review multiple images to find the sharpest one, then they can identify the desired image, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage evaluation efficiencyVSAvoidtime to identify sharpest image

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image processing system that calculates sharpness metrics and generates visualizations. The system automatically processes images through computational algorithms to evaluate focus quality, eliminating the need for users to manually review each image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sharpness visualization map as an intermediary representation between the raw image data and user decision-making. This visualization serves as a mediator that translates complex image focus information into an intuitive graphical format, enabling rapid identification of sharp regions without manual pixel-by-pixel inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If existing image data includes focus information such as autofocus area position, then some sharpness data is available, but it is not easy for users to determine which objects are most sharply focused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesharpness information availabilityVSAvoiduser ability to identify sharp objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color or intensity variations in the generated sharpness visualization map to represent different focus qualities. Regions with higher sharpness are depicted with distinct visual characteristics (such as brighter or differently colored areas), enabling users to quickly identify sharp objects through visual perception rather than interpreting raw data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the one-dimensional focus information (autofocus area position) into a two-dimensional sharpness visualization map that spatially represents focus quality across the entire image. This dimensional transformation provides intuitive spatial context, allowing users to see at a glance which regions are sharp and which are not.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11494884B2Method and system for evaluating image sharpness

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 CANON USA INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus and method are provided which quantifies sharpness of one or more areas in an image. The sharpness processing includes acquiring an image from an image capturing apparatus, obtaining an object information characterizing a position of an object within the captured image, and controlling, based on a sharpness of each of a plurality of regions identified within the captured image according to the object information, an unit such that a sharpness information representing a numeric value regarding a sharpness of the captured image is displayed with the captured image.